PCS 1.20

Discussion Topics:
- Using multiple articles to answer drug information requests.
- Professional writing in the context of pharmacy.
- Review of AMA citation format (11th edition).
- Preparation for upcoming lab session (week 3).
Importance: This material will be relevant for the Evidence-Based Medicine (EBM) exam in March.

Exam Structure:
- Potential questions may involve integrating information from study excerpts.
- Relates to both upcoming labs (weeks 3 and 4) and previous EBM assessments from PCS-1.
Additional Resources:
- A document on Blackboard summarizing objectives and types of questions will be provided.

Participation Requirement:
- Must attend class in person to participate in quizzes.
- Clarification: Remote completion of quizzes is not allowed.
Absence Policy:
- Students can miss up to four classes and still receive full participation credit (attend at least 9 out of 13 classes).

Structure of EBM Labs:
- Use primary literature to make formulary recommendations for a hypothetical hospital.
- Group work: Collaboration is emphasized with assigned articles and group dynamics.
- Required to work within assigned groups and not across groups.

Definition: Professional writing encompasses various formats, including hospital newsletters and formal notes to providers, not just scholarly articles.
Applications:
- Relevant in many healthcare settings, including pharmacy and therapeutics committees and insurance authorizations.
- Importance of group collaboration to understand drug information thoroughly.

Tools for Collaboration:
- Google Docs or shared drives may be used to facilitate group work.
Restrictions:
- Sharing across groups is prohibited; each group must work independently on their assigned articles.
- Use of AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT) is prohibited for this assignment to ensure independent practice and critical thinking development.
Assessment: If collaboration is deemed unfair, groups may face a zero score.

Critical evaluation of primary literature.
Clear and concise written communication of assigned viewpoints in presentation format (PowerPoint).
Development of skills relevant to rotation practices and real-world pharmacy settings.

Interprofessional Collaboration:
- Consists of various healthcare providers to decide drug formulary inclusions.
Responsibilities:
- Evaluate medications for formulary inclusion.
- Implement strategies to optimize medication use based on evidence-based medicine.

Assigned Drug Evaluations:
- Group assignments for specific drugs (Group 1: fidaxamycin, Group 2: cefiduracol).
Preparation Instructions:
- Download and read assigned articles prior to lab to maximize productivity during session.
Template Usage:
- A formulary addition request form will be provided to guide documentation.
- Groups will complete the template collaboratively in lab, with support from coordinators.

Structure of Presentations:
- Groups will present their evaluations on their drug’s formulary inclusion.
- Faculty will simulate a P&T committee context by voting on proposals (not graded).
Group Dynamics:
- Each group will have assigned viewpoints (pro or con for the formulary).
- Participation in all segments is required for credit.

Group Work for PowerPoint Preparation:
- Cooperative development of presentation materials using provided templates.
- All group members must actively participate in the presentation.

Common Errors in Citations:
- Ensure the inclusion of monograph titles and specific drug references rather than general sources.
- Include timely access dates when citing websites.
Types of References:
- Monographs: Include specific drug details rather than generic database names.
- Book Chapters: Requires mentioning both chapter and book authors.
- Journal Articles: Focus on correct citation format including italics for journal titles.
- Use of DOI (Digital Object Identifier) for electronically accessed articles is encouraged over URLs.

Rationale for Multiple Resources:
- Provides comprehensive understanding, fact-checks, and mitigates bias.
- Updates in research can significantly influence conclusions over time.
Literature Appraisal Tools:
- Cochrane Library and related databases provide synthesized evidence from multiple studies.

Importance of applicability of literature to specific patient populations and scenarios.
Example of tobacco cessation guidelines illustrating the need to extrapolate older studies to current practices.

Understanding of study types: Preference for randomized controlled trials.
Critical assessment of endpoints: Distinction between disease-oriented and patient-oriented outcomes.

Differentiate between summarizing and critiquing evidence in literature.
Include statistical significance evaluations (e.g., p-values, confidence intervals).

Proposed methodology for integrating multiple sources in assessments; either summarizing articles separately or interweaving information.
Preparing for practical applications: Include responses to potential follow-up questions during patient care situations.
Reminders:
- Prepare for rotating discussions and answer prepared questions during rotations.

Assignments and preparations leading into the next lab meeting.
Distribution of lab supplies in Worcester and Manchester campuses as per announcements.

Differentiate between summarizing and critiquing evidence in literature.
Formulate a response to drug information queries using insights from multiple pieces of primary literature.
Focus on statistical significance evaluations (e.g., p-values, confidence intervals).
Develop critical evaluation skills to select the most appropriate literature addressing the drug information question.

To select the most appropriate literature for answering a drug information question:

Identify the Question: Clearly define the drug information question being asked, including the specific drug and its indication.
Consider Study Types: Prioritize literature that consists of well-designed studies such as randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews as they provide the strongest evidence.
Assess Relevance: Ensure that the literature is relevant to the patient population or specific clinical scenario in question.
Evaluate Quality: Look for high-quality sources that are peer-reviewed and published in reputable journals.
Use Updated Resources: Choose the most recent literature to access the latest findings and guidelines, especially on rapidly evolving treatments.
Diverse Sources: Incorporate multiple articles to provide a comprehensive understanding and mitigate bias, utilizing tools such as the Cochrane Library for synthesized evidence.